Both perch and walleye appear to be doing well in Mille Lacs, but the DNR has its reasons for new regulations announced this week. There are other factors at play, too.

The harvest limits, which mark an increase from last year, will go into effect when the season starts on May 10.

Anglers on one of Minnesota's largest lakes will be able to keep two walleye daily starting this spring, wildlife officials said Thursday.

For the first time, the Department of Natural Resources is slapping a special fishing regulation on perch caught on Mille Lacs Lake, lowering the daily bag limit from 20 to five. The reduced limit, in effect through Nov.

Following years of restrictive regulations, the DNR says the Mille Lacs Lake walleye fishery appears to be in a healthy state.

MILLE LACS, Minn. — The limit on Lake Mille Lacs will be two walleyes per angler for the 2025 fishing season, DNR officials announced Thursday. The walleyes must be 17 inches or greater, and only one of them can be over 20 inches.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says after years of tighter fishing regulations, the lake's walleye population appears to be at healthy levels.

As of Feb. 23, the state has harvested more than 43,000 pounds of perch, exceeding its share of the harvest of 36,500 pounds.

The daily and possession limit for yellow perch at Mille Lacs Lake has been reduced until the end of November.

Anglers on Mille Lacs Lake will have the opportunity to harvest two walleye daily during the upcoming open water season, which begins on Saturday, May 10, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 30. Harvested walleye must be 17 inches or greater, and only one of them can be over 20 inches.